1978 Fredericton Encaenia
Murray, Morna Anne
Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.)
Orator: Rowan, Donald F.
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L to R: Dr. John M. Anderson, Dr. Colin B. Mackay, Morna Anne Murray
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Source: Joe Stone fonds-UA RG340, 1978 (#13040C)
Citation:
ENCAENIA, MAY, 1978
MORNA ANNE MURRAY
to be Doctor of Letters
Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle have each in their turn testified to "the sweet power of music," and our poet has told us that:
Anne Murray came to UNB from our sister province of Nova Scotia, and in 1966, the year of her graduation in Physical Education, the anonymous editor of the Yearbook wrote of "Nur" that "A little bit of Red 'n Black, a little bit of Glee Club, and 'A little bit of soap' all add up to Anne's claim to fame -- her voice." How right, and yet how wrong.
One cannot and should not quarrel with the judgement of the world of heavenly music where she shines as a bright constellation -- a Super Nova, as it were -- fired by the flames of a fine voice. There is, however, much more than mere voice in Anne Murray; there is a gentleness, a graceful spirit, and a touching cheeriness even in the saddest of her songs. It is this harmony as a human being which gives authority to her voice.
For these qualities, and for her continuing concern for those less fortunate among us, she has been accorded one of the highest honours which can be bestowed upon a Canadian. This Officer of the Order of Canada has never forgotten UNB, and it is altogether fitting that we should remember her today with affection and respect.
Insignissime Praeses, tota Universitas, praesento vobis Mornam Annam Murray ut admittatur honoris causa ad gradem Doctoris in Litteris in hac Universitate.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
MORNA ANNE MURRAY
to be Doctor of Letters
Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle have each in their turn testified to "the sweet power of music," and our poet has told us that:
The man that hath no music in himself,All agree that there is a rightness, a balance, a goodness to be found in harmony, and such harmony is epitomized for us today in the person of this fair young woman.
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils.
Anne Murray came to UNB from our sister province of Nova Scotia, and in 1966, the year of her graduation in Physical Education, the anonymous editor of the Yearbook wrote of "Nur" that "A little bit of Red 'n Black, a little bit of Glee Club, and 'A little bit of soap' all add up to Anne's claim to fame -- her voice." How right, and yet how wrong.
One cannot and should not quarrel with the judgement of the world of heavenly music where she shines as a bright constellation -- a Super Nova, as it were -- fired by the flames of a fine voice. There is, however, much more than mere voice in Anne Murray; there is a gentleness, a graceful spirit, and a touching cheeriness even in the saddest of her songs. It is this harmony as a human being which gives authority to her voice.
For these qualities, and for her continuing concern for those less fortunate among us, she has been accorded one of the highest honours which can be bestowed upon a Canadian. This Officer of the Order of Canada has never forgotten UNB, and it is altogether fitting that we should remember her today with affection and respect.
Insignissime Praeses, tota Universitas, praesento vobis Mornam Annam Murray ut admittatur honoris causa ad gradem Doctoris in Litteris in hac Universitate.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
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